How the Voting Rights Act reshaped Texas’ electoral maps by empowering voters, candidates of color
By Eleanor Klibanoff and Gabby Birenbaum, The Texas Tribune May 4, 2026 In 2002, U.S. Rep. Henry Bonilla, a Republican, nearly lost his South Texas seat to Democrat Henry Cuellar. So when the GOP used its newfound majority in the state Legislature to redraw the voting maps the next year, they sawed through Cuellar’s hometown…
Read MoreHow the unreported killing of an American by ICE shattered two Texas families
By Lomi Kriel, The Texas Tribune May 4, 2026 The last words Joshua Orta heard his childhood best friend utter were “I’m sorry.” Then Ruben Ray Martinez, a slender 23-year-old, slumped back in the driver’s seat. An officer had fired repeatedly through the open window, at least one bullet piercing Ruben’s heart. Josh, 25, saw…
Read MoreVideo: Plantations and Prisons
DPS Holds Grand Opening for New Mounted Patrol Barn; Welcomes New Riders to Program
May 1, 2026 AUSTIN – Yesterday, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) held a grand opening for its new Mounted Patrol Unit (MPU) Equine Facility in Coupland, Texas, and welcomed its newest riders during a graduation ceremony. The Coupland facility is critical to maintaining a high standard of training and operational readiness for the…
Read MoreWreckage of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Tampa Discovered Off Cornwall, United Kingdom
WASHINGTON – The wreckage of the Coast Guard Cutter Tampa has been located and confirmed by the British technical-diving team Gasperados. The site lies approximately 50 miles off Newquay, Cornwall, United Kingdom, at a depth exceeding 300 feet deep in the Atlantic Ocean. Tampa was lost in 1918 during World War I after being torpedoed…
Read MoreTWC Celebrates National Foster Care Month in May
AUSTIN – This May, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is celebrating National Foster Care Month. The monthlong campaign highlights the successes of foster youth and the dedication of those who support them. “It’s incredibly important that we recognize National Foster Care Month as it highlights the remarkable resilience of youth in foster care,” said TWC…
Read MoreTeachers of Tomorrow Announces 2026 Texas Teacher of the Year and National Finalist
Lyford, Texas – Teachers of Tomorrow, the nation’s top alternative teacher certification, is proud to announce Lauren Thomas as the Texas Teachers of Tomorrow Teacher of the Year, recognizing their exceptional commitment to students, classrooms, and school communities. Thomas serves as High School Agriculture Science teacher at Lyford High School in Lyford CISD. As part of this recognition, Thomas will…
Read MoreTexas Adds More than 46,000 Jobs in March
AUSTIN ⎯ Texas added 46,800 nonfarm jobs in March to reach a total of 14,403,500. Over the year, the state added 117,200 jobs for an annual nonfarm growth rate of 0.8 percent, outpacing the national growth rate by 0.6 percentage points. Texas’ civilian labor force registered at 15,916,600 after decreasing by 25,200 over the month.…
Read MoreSen. Ted Cruz makes Iowa appearance, fueling speculation about another presidential bid
By Gabby Birenbaum and Colleen DeGuzman, The Texas Tribune May 2, 2026 Ten years after celebrating his caucus victory at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, Sen. Ted Cruz returned to the Des Moines area Friday, fueling chatter about a potential 2028 presidential bid. Cruz told the audience of conservative Christians that the Republican Party is “winning…
Read MoreDallas’ Highland Park votes to leave Texas’ second-largest public transit system
By Joshua Fechter and Colleen DeGuzman, The Texas Tribune May 3, 2026 DALLAS — Dallas Area Rapid Transit, the state’s second largest public transit agency, fractured Saturday as voters in one suburb chose to leave the transit system. Highland Park will pull out of DART, according to election returns Saturday. It’s the first time any…
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